Rules on disabled parking in Plymouth have been changed after a problem with the old system was highlighted by one of the city's MPs.

Under the old rules only the named driver of a car and blue badge holder was able to have a disabled space outside their property.

So if the space was needed for someone who wasn't the driver - a child or someone with a severe disability - the application for the bay would be rejected.

Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, raised the problem with Plymouth City Council and the policy will now change, reports plymouthherald .

The amended policy now states that "consideration will be given to persons other than the driver of the vehicle where there is substantial medical evidence that the applicant requires constant care and supervision and as a consequence would place them at risk if left unattended for a length of time".

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The policy says the driver of the vehicle must also live at the address provided when applying for the blue badge.

Mr Mercer said: “What may seem like a minor change in wording, could make all the difference in the world to people in Plymouth who care for others.

“I am pleased Plymouth City Council have taken heed of the issue I raised with their previous policy and amended it to mean that the partner or Carer of someone holding a blue badge, residing at the same address, may now apply for a disabled parking bay on behalf of their family member.